Tributes to nurse and theatre assistant who contracted virus
A NURSE and theatre assistant have died after contracting coronavirus, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has confirmed.
Tributes have been paid to nurse Dominga David and theatre assistant Allan Macalalad.
The sad news was announced last week after tributes were posted on the health board’s official social media pages.
Mr Macalalad, who was a father and carpenter by trade, died last Tuesday at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.
He was described as a “perfect gentleman, sociable, hardworking and a loyal team player”.
He had worked in the ophthalmology theatres for more than two years, and his team were said to be “shocked and saddened” to hear the news of his death.
His wife, Elsie, works as a nurse at a neighbouring health board.
In a statement, Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board said: “It is with deep sadness that we must announce the passing of our colleague, Allan Macalalad.
“Our thoughts are with his colleagues, friends and family.
“His wife, Elsie has asked us to convey how wonderful and loving a husband, father and son he was. We will miss him greatly.”
The health board has also paid tribute to Dominga David, who worked for the health board for around 16 years. She died in intensive care last Tuesday after testing positive for Covid-19.
She started working for the health board in 2004 when she came to the UK from the Philippines to begin her nursing adaptation programme.
A statement from the health board read: “It is with deep sadness that we must announce the passing of our colleague, Dominga David.
“Our thoughts are with her colleagues, friends and family.
“She will be remembered as an exceptionally hard worker and a respectful, kind and compassionate person. We will miss her greatly.”
Ms David was described as an “integral part” of ward life on West 5 at University Hospital Llandough, and was part of a ward family and was “well-loved by everyone”.
The health board also sent their deepest condolences to her son, Renzie.